Brighton’s FA Cup Dream Ends as Nottingham Forest Triumphs on Penalties

A Tense Quarter-Final Decided from the Spot

Nottingham Forest edged past Brighton in a nerve-wracking FA Cup quarter-final, winning 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes. The match at the Amex Stadium saw both teams struggle to create clear-cut chances, but it was Ryan Yates’ decisive penalty that sent Forest into the semi-finals.

First Half: Cautious Play and Few Opportunities

With so much at stake, both teams approached the match with caution. Brighton dominated possession, but Forest’s well-organized defense made it difficult for the Seagulls to break through.

The first 45 minutes ended with just four total shots—a reflection of how tight and tactical the battle was. Forest, missing key players including top scorer Chris Wood, focused on shutting down Brighton’s attacking lanes rather than creating chances of their own.

VAR Controversy: Forest’s Penalty Overturned

The second half saw a slight shift in momentum, with Brighton gaining control. However, Forest thought they had a golden chance when Elliot Anderson was brought down by Kaoru Mitoma inside the box.

A penalty was initially awarded, but VAR intervened and overturned the decision, ruling that Anderson had initiated the contact. The call frustrated Forest, but they remained defensively solid to force the game into extra time.

Extra Time: Late Brighton Pressure, but No Goals

Brighton had the better of the additional 30 minutes, creating two major chances:

• Diego Gomez forced a great save from Forest’s goalkeeper Matz Sels.
• Joao Pedro found the net, but his goal was correctly ruled offside.

Despite their late push, Brighton couldn’t break the deadlock, leading to an inevitable penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout: Yates Delivers the Knockout Blow

The shootout was a tense affair, but Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez missed crucial penalties, allowing Nottingham Forest to take control. Ryan Yates then stepped up and scored the winning penalty, sealing a dramatic victory.

Brighton and Forest Player Ratings

Brighton (4-2-3-1)

• Bart Verbruggen (GK) – 8.7: Excellent shot-stopping but couldn’t prevent the penalty loss.
• Pervis Estupiñán (LB) – 8.0: Defended well and pushed forward when possible.
• Kaoru Mitoma (LW) – 6.4: Involved in the controversial penalty incident but struggled in attack.
• Joao Pedro (ST) – 6.1: Scored in the shootout but was otherwise ineffective.
• Diego Gomez (SUB) – 6.2: Missed a crucial penalty.

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)

• Matz Sels (GK) – 8.6: A standout performance, including key saves in the shootout.
• Ryan Yates (CM) – 6.8: Scored the decisive penalty and worked tirelessly in midfield.
• Callum Hudson-Odoi (SUB) – 6.6: Converted his penalty and added energy off the bench.
• Nikola Milenković (CB) – 7.0: Strong defensively and scored in the shootout.

What’s Next?

For Brighton, the loss is a disappointment after a strong run of form. Their focus now shifts to the Premier League, where they aim to secure European football.

Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, celebrates a historic FA Cup semi-final appearance. Can they defy expectations and lift the trophy for the first time in over 60 years?